Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 107673 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107673 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Scott’s family was a loud and overbearing bunch. We used to sneak off anytime they came to town. A low-level hum of worry built steam inside me. Had Dash really waited for me? For sure, he wouldn’t want me once he learned what a loser I’d become. No job, no education, and no real future. The roiling pit of uncertainty in my stomach was back.
Dash didn’t have to actually see me. I could ensure he had a good life, and that would be enough.
“You’re overthinkin’. You could be in Dallas by eleven tonight if you get goin’. It’s a straightforward drive down I-20.” As far as Scott was concerned, the topic was closed. He went for the paper towels and began cleaning the spill I’d made.
I wanted to see Dash at least one last time. I went to the bedroom I’d used while in this house, and packed quickly, tossing a couple of pairs of blue jeans and T-shirts in my duffle bag. Socks and underwear followed. Also my dated cell phone and charger.
If luck was on my side, I’d see Dash, learn the truth of his life, and be heading back here by this time tomorrow.
Dallas, Texas
Being unexpectedly chosen by my professors to be lead counsel for the nationwide mock trial competition team was one of the most prideful moments of my life. I’d done well in law school, consistently going above and beyond what was required of me.
As a young, determined student, halfway through my studies at SMU’s Dedman School of Law, I considered those qualities my strengths. My teammates, in their last year of law school, viewed them as weaknesses, making sure I always remembered I was a trust fund baby. Undeserving of anything since my family name was on several of the buildings on campus.
Like most of my life, I maintained a singular, intense focus while prepping for the competition being hosted at Dedman this year. The rest of the world faded as I spent day and night absorbed in the trial prep.
It all came down to this moment. I stood behind the defense table, the pump of my breath synchronized with the ticking clock on the back wall. Sweat began to form in my armpits, I stood paralyzed as the judge finally delivered the verdict. Her measured words marked the culmination of the final showdown. We won!
A hard-fought battle to the very end against trial teams from all over the nation, and we bested them.
I argued the fuck out of this case. Prepared for every twist and turn thrown my way. A sudden and powerful cheer broke out from my side of the mock courtroom, while a palpable sense of defeat loomed from the other side.
They were worthy adversaries even if I did kick their ass in the end.
A rare surge of pride welled; one I couldn’t contain. A wide, toothy grin spread across my face. I hoped to know this exact feeling at the end of every case I argued.
“We did it!” Alexis, second-chair counsel, clutched my arm as she gave a celebratory leap. The rest of the team embraced and congratulated each other.
As the victory unfolded in my periphery, Dr. Harris, my team’s mentor, came forward. His hand outstretched to shake mine. He didn’t come at me with a smile, but the standard frown appeared less severe.
“You held your composure, Richmond,” Dr. Harris said.
“Thank you, sir,” I murmured, aiming for humility, but feeling far from it right then. “They’re a formidable team.”
“Dr. Harris, we’re going to Parliament to celebrate. Join us,” Alexis invited, shaking his hand. In a first-time move, she looped her arm across my shoulders and beamed at me. “You’re legal drinking age, aren’t you, Dash? Come along too.”
Hmm, was that another jab at my maturity, or an earnest invitation to join in the celebration? It was difficult to tell. My peers had a relentless competitive streak, always ready to point out each other’s perceived shortcomings, yet this invitation was a first and sounded genuine. “I’ll be there.”
“Great,” she said. Her grip on my shoulder evolved into a side hug. “I’ll welcome you on my team any time.”
I doubted her sincerity since she was graduating at the end of this term, but let it slide as she redirected her excitement back to Dr. Harris, breaking protocol by giving him the same side hug she gave me. Stranger yet, he accepted it with one of his own.
“The championship trophy’s coming to the place it’s always meant to be. Come by the bar.”
“I’ll be there in spirit,” he said before making his way toward the crowd of students pouring into the litigation area.
I took my briefcase and quietly exited through a side door, departing unnoticed. Today had been a triumph. I felt a true sense of accomplishment, but like usual, I had no one to share it with.